Cigarette lighter holding device for attachment to a cigarette box

ABSTRACT

A holding device for keeping a cigarette lighter and other compact objects in an abutting manner to a cigarette box. The holding device is attached to a medium which contains a message. Once attached to the cigarette box, the holding device may grip a user&#39;s peripheral items close to the box, while displaying the message resident on the medium. In this respect, the user would be able to keep their items within close reach. Additionally, the user and others would be subject to viewing the message whenever the medium is exposed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 60/345,376 filed on Dec. 29, 2001 and entitled, “Cigarette Lighter Holding Device for Attachment to a Cigarette Box”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The field of the invention is cigarette lighter holding devices, and the invention relates more particularly to a cigarette lighter holding device attachable to a cigarette box.

[0003] Smoking is a regular habit found amongst many people in society. Despite various behavior patterns among smokers, two are extremely common. The first is a reoccurring search for a cigarette light, while the second is a tendency to place the cigarette box on a table after having taken a cigarette out for smoking. Cigarettes typically come in what is known as a hard or soft pack paper box which contains 20 cigarettes inside. Cigarette lighters, on the other hand, are usually fuel (e.g. butane) based incineration mechanisms or an assortment of matches such as those that come in a paper matchbook or matchbox. Although many smokers carry their own cigarette lighter or matchbook with them, both are separate items, totally detached from the cigarette box. Moreover, the common cigarette box does not offer any way of securing or keeping these items close to the box. As a result, cigarette lighters and matchbooks are often misplaced or lost due to their compact size and ability to fit almost anywhere. Misplaced or lost cigarette lighters are often troublesome since some are expensive and even one of a kind. Additionally, not having a lighting mechanism secured to the cigarette box often prevents a smoker from enjoying a cigarette when one is most desired.

[0004] The smokers' habit of placing their cigarette box on the table is also noteworthy in itself. In almost every circumstance in which this behavior occurs, people around the smoker take notice of the box and may even become fixated on it. This is especially true in places where people get together, including food gatherings such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The result is a lost potential for advertising which goes beyond what is directly printed on the cigarette box.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It an object of the present invention to provide a holding device for a cigarette lighter and other compact object(s) that is independent of the cigarette box, but which can be attached thereto.

[0006] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a holding device that will grasp cigarette lighters varying in size and shape as well as other compact objects.

[0007] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a holding device for cigarette lighters and other small objects which further includes a medium containing a message that is attachable to the cigarette box.

[0008] The present invention is for a holding device for a cigarette lighter and other small objects which can be attached to a cigarette box or the like, and which displays a message such as an advertisement, slogan, logo, trademark, trade name, warning message, personal message, or the like (hereinafter “message”). The cigarette lighter holding device is preferably attached to a base material (hereinafter, “medium”) which contains the message. The message may be audible or visual such as written, pictorial, holographic, or otherwise graphic form. Additionally, the message may comprise an electronic optical display such as pixilated, light (e.g. conventional, fiber optic, etc.), liquid crystal, etc. Such display may present the message in either an animated or motionless manner, and may further include a sound generating element. According to one embodiment, the medium includes an affixing element, such as an adhesive backing on a surface of the medium. In this respect, the medium can be affixed to a cigarette box for displaying a message, wherein the holding device would be used to grip a cigarette lighter or other compact object in an abutting manner to the cigarette box. This would likely decrease the possibility of the lighter getting lost and keep it within the smoker's instant reach. Additionally, anyone within sight of the cigarette box would be exposed to the displayed message.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cigarette lighter holding device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, including a medium which displays a message, “XYZ Co.”.

[0010]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a holding device similar to the device of FIG. 1, configured in a “closed book” formation and displaying a different message then the holding device of FIG. 1.

[0011]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the back side of the holding device of FIG. 2, illustrating the device with an adhesive layer covered by a peel away backing.

[0012]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the holding device of FIG. 1, together with a cigarette box, with the holding device positioned on the box in accordance with one embodiment, whereby it is capable of grasping a cigarette lighter and most compact objects in an abutting manner to the box while displaying the message.

[0013]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the holding device and cigarette box of FIG. 4, wherein the cigarette lighter holding device is utilized to grip a butane lighter in an abutting manner to the cigarette box while displaying the message.

[0014]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a holding device including a medium which displays a message, in accordance with another embodiment of this invention.

[0015]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the holding device of FIG. 6, wherein the displayed message is configured in a three dimensional composition.

[0016]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a holding device, in accordance with yet another embodiment, wherein the medium is configured in a miniature three dimensional model of a beer mug displaying the message “JKL Beer”.

[0017]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the holding device, in accordance with yet another embodiment of this invention, wherein the medium is configured in a three dimensional character formation displaying the message “XYZ”.

[0018]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the holding device, in accordance with yet another embodiment of this invention, wherein the device is configured in the form of a retaining pouch and displaying the message “XYZ Co.”.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODYMENTS

[0019] The present invention is for a cigarette lighter holding device which can hold a cigarette lighter or other small objects together with a cigarette box or the like, while displaying a message. While certain types of cigarette lighter holding devices are illustrated in the drawings, it is to be understood that the present invention applies to any type of device utilized to hold a cigarette lighter together with a cigarette box, which is adapted to display a message.

[0020]FIG. 1 illustrates a cigarette lighter holding device 100 according to one embodiment of this invention. The holding device 100 includes a medium 1 for displaying a message and a flexible band 10 for gripping a cigarette lighter and other compact objects. The message displayed may be an advertisement, slogan, logo, trademark, trade name, warning message, personal message, or the like, and may be in written, pictorial, holographic, or other graphic form. For example, the message may be a written phrase such as “DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE”. The message may also be electronic, thereby being delivered via audible and/or visual electronic means. This includes use of sound producing components as well as optical displays such as pixilated, light (e.g. conventional, fiber optic, etc.), liquid crystal, etc. Such displays may present the message in either an animated or motionless manner, and may further include a sound generating element.

[0021] The medium 1 may preferably include an adhesive backing, as shown in FIG. 3, such that it can be affixed to a cigarette box. Additionally, holding device 100 may be configured in a closed book formation, as shown in FIG. 2, wherein the left and right side portions, 2 and 3, (shown in FIG. 1) are folded over to create a closed book for retaining the band 10. This allows for convenient distribution and handling, wherein the band is prevented from becoming entangled with other objects.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1 more precisely, the medium 1 of holding device 100 is shown to have a left and right side portion, 2 and 3, respectively, which are attached together to form one congruent article. Left side portion 2 has a front surface 4, while right side portion 3 has a front surface 5. Additionally, both left side 2 and right side 3 portions each have a back surface, 6 and 7 respectively. Although FIG. 1 shows medium 1 with two sectioned front and back surfaces, it is of course, understood that the medium 1 may have a single, un-sectioned front and back surface instead, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Furthermore, the medium 1 can also have more then two sectioned front and back surfaces, depending on the manner in which the medium 1 is designed.

[0023] Returning now to FIG. 1, it is preferred that the left side portion 2 be easily detachable from the right side portion 3. Allowing for the two portions to be separated may be advantageous for mounting the medium on the cigarette box given the amount of surface space available on the box. The preferred method of sectioning the medium 1, as shown in FIG. 1, is by perforating the medium 1 along a vertical plane 9 that will allow left side portion 2 to be easily torn apart from right side portion 3. It is noteworthy to mention that the perforation can also be positioned along a horizontal plane when such would be the preferred design scheme. In that respect, the upper side portion (not depicted by a character reference) of the medium 1 would be torn apart from the lower side portion (not depicted by a character reference) of the medium 1. Another method (not shown) of detaching right side portion 2 from left side portion 3 involves breaking an adhesive bond that may be holding both portions together. Here, an attaching element would be present which detachably connects right side portion 2 to left side portion 3. Although many different attachment methods can be used, some of the more common include supplemental material such as tape or an adhesive compound.

[0024] Although the medium 1 is shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7 as rectangularly flat in shape, it of course, need not be as such, and may undertake any geometric shape including, circular, triangular, trapezoid, elliptical, etc. Examples of alternate shapes are shown in FIG. 8 holding device 300, FIG. 9 holding device 400, and FIG. 10 holding device 500, where the medium 1 is fashioned into a miniature three dimensional model of a beer mug, a three dimensional character formation, and a retaining pouch. It is noteworthy to mention that with certain designs, as shown in FIG. 10, the medium 1 and cigarette lighter holding device can even be the same composition. There, the pouch serves as both the medium and device for holding a cigarette lighter abuttingly to a cigarette box.

[0025] The medium 1 can also be made in accordance with any size deemed suitable. For example, although the medium 1 is shown in FIG. 1, holding device 100, as elongated and sectioned, it of course, may be compact and non-sectioned as shown in FIG. 6, holding device 200. In this respect, then, the medium 1 may be sized to fit on one of the four walls of a cigarette box, all four walls of the cigarette box, or a select portion thereof. Additionally, the medium 1 can be sized for mounting on other objects besides the cigarette box such as make-up articles, candy packages, etc. Finally, the medium 1 may be made out of any type of material, including paper, plastic, wood, glass, polymer, fiber, gel, fiberglass, metal, rubber, elastic, etc. Contrasting examples are shown in FIG. 1 where the medium 1 is made out of paper, while FIGS. 8 and 9 show a medium 1 that is made out of material such as plastic. It is preferred, however, that the medium 1 be comprised out of paper since such material is highly adaptable and cost efficient to work with. An example to this would be a strip of paper such as a paper tag or label.

[0026] Although it is further preferred that the medium 1 have a flat front 4,5 and back 6,7 surface (as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6), it need not have such and may instead, have a two or three dimensional surface plane on any of its respective front or back surface(s). An example of this is shown in FIG. 7 where the message 12 is fashioned in a three dimensional composition so that the lettering “XYZ Co.” is protruding outward from the medium 1. Although such is not the case in FIG. 7, it is of course, understood that the entire medium 1 may additionally be fashioned in a two or three dimensional manner. For example, the medium 1 may be a miniature three dimensional model such as a beer mug, shown in FIG. 8, or a three dimensional character formation, as shown in FIG. 9. Additionally, the medium may be fashioned in the form of a retaining pouch, as shown in FIG. 10. It is noteworthy that in all of these configurations, the medium 1 has a front surface 5 and back surface 7. Thus, a two or three dimensional medium surface may be utilized over a flat one for various reasons including, but not limited to, advertisement purposes (as it may be more eye-catching), gripping purposes, and preferred aesthetic appearances.

[0027] It is noteworthy to mention that the holding device need not utilize a band 10 for retaining a cigarette lighter or other small object. Any type of mechanism that is capable of gripping and/or holding a cigarette lighter and/or other type of compact article(s) may be utilized. For example, this can be a retaining pouch, as shown in FIG. 10, as well as a clamp, snap-into receptacle, or male/female Velcro strips. It is therefore understood that this invention applies to any type of device utilized to hold a cigarette lighter together with a cigarette box, which is adapted to display a message. Examples of other suitable holding devices which may be adapted to display a message in accordance with the present invention may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,684 to Torras et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,479 to Galanos et al., U.S. Pat No. 5,918,734 to Devens et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,891 B1 to Devens et al., and U.S. Pat. App. D443,387 S to Torres et al.

[0028] Preferably, the holding device 100 comprises a band 10, as shown in FIG. 1, that is made out of elastic, rubber, or other flexible material. This is because the advantages of a flexible elastic or rubber band are numerous. First, an elastic band provides a strong holding mechanism that would keep a cigarette lighter and other small object secured to the cigarette box 16, despite movement factors such as removal and insertion of the cigarette box 16 to and from a pocket. This is indicated in FIG. 5 where the butane lighter is tightly held abuttingly to the cigarette box. Next, an elastic band is compact which allows it to easily be enclosed in and attached to the medium 1, for example, as with the closed book formation shown in FIG. 2. Third, an elastic band is very versatile in use as it can hold most compact objects (e.g. money, paper slips, keys, pens, makeup items, candy, etc.,) regardless of their shape, instead of, or simultaneous to, holding the cigarette lighter 17. Finally, an elastic band is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0029] It is further preferred that the band 10 shown, for example, in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 be attached to the medium 1. Attachment of the band 10 to the medium 1 can be accomplished by use of an adhesive compound, such as glue or tape, as per reference character 11, grip clips/clamp (not shown), or other known methods that would hold the two components together. Furthermore, attachment can be permanent or non-permanent wherein the band 10 may be detached and reattached to the medium 1 (e.g. as is the case with use of Velcro). It is noteworthy to mention that attachment of the band 10 to the medium 1 may be at any location point or points on the medium 1. Preferably, the point or points for attachment would be in a location that does not block or interfere with any message that may be located on the medium 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the attachment location may be at a point right above the message (“XYZ Co.”) 12. Additionally, attachment can be at one or more points located below, to the left, or the right of the message. In light of this, therefore, it is of course, understood that many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

[0030] As previously mentioned, the holding device serves both as a holder for keeping a cigarette lighter or other compact object together with a cigarette box, as well as a platform for displaying a message. This is extremely significant for a number of reasons. First, each time that the smoker reaches for their lighter or other object gripped by the holding device, they will undoubtedly be exposed to the message and likely take notice of it. This could result in the smoker being exposed to the message on numerous occasions, thereby increasing the prospects of it getting across. Second, it is well known that many smokers habitually place their cigarette box on a table or counter top after having taken out a cigarette for smoking. This conduct is extremely noteworthy given that the cigarette box is usually placed in a location where it is openly visible to any person sitting or standing next to it. In other words, just by virtue of placing the medium 1 onto the cigarette box 16, the smoker and those around them become potential targets for the message displayed on the medium 1. In restaurants, for example, the cigarette box may be left on the dining table for hours throughout the course of a meal. During this time, it is very likely that many of those around the table would spend a good portion of that time glancing and staring at the box, thereby noticing the message displayed on the attached medium 1. It is noteworthy to mention that given the utility of the holding device, smokers would likely be motivated to place the medium 1 on their cigarette boxes. It therefore ensues that once attached to a cigarette box, the holding device could make the cigarette box a useful article as well as a powerful platform for delivering a message to a substantial amount of people.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, front surface 5 contains a message depicting “XYZ Co.” 12. Although the message 12 is only shown on front surface 5, it of course, can be placed on front surface 4 as well. The same or a different message may also be placed on back surface(s) 6 and/or 7. This is shown in FIG. 2, where a different message depicts the imprint “Cig Tag” 13, which, in this case, may be a possible company or product logo for the medium 1. Given the diversity in advertising, the message(s) placed on the medium 1 may be a pictorial, holographic, text, and/or other type of graphic image, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the message(s) may also be a fashioned composition, such as a two or three dimensional form that is comprised of various materials, such as, but not limited to plastic, metal, fiberglass, polymer, fiber, rubber, elastic, gel, paper, wood, glass, etc. For example, FIGS. 6 and 7 both display the message “XYZ Co.” 12. The difference between the two, however, is that the message 12 in FIG. 6 is printed while that shown in FIG. 7 is a three dimensional composition comprised out of construction material such as plastic. Thus, the message(s) on the medium 1 may be comprised of graphic, stationary, and/or any other type of construction material, as mentioned above. It is noteworthy to mention that the message(s) may also be electronic by way of audio and/or visual electronic means. Visual electronic means may include an electronic display comprised of pixilated, light (e.g. conventional, fiber optic, etc.), liquid crystal, or other optical display. Such display may present the message in either an animated or motionless manner, and may further include a sound generating element.

[0032] It is preferred that the medium 1 be configured in a “closed book” enclosure formation since such would be advantageous in distribution, handling, and protection of the holding device 100. As shown in FIG. 2, medium 1 may be folded along vertical perforation 9 to render it in the “closed book” formation. In this configuration, back surfaces 6 and 7, respectively, become the front and reverse outer handling surfaces of the medium 1, with edge 8 forming an outer side surface. The medium 1 can thereafter be detachably sealed along any of its edges so as to keep it in the “closed book” formation. Although the folded “closed book” enclosure is shown in FIG. 2 as rectangular in shape, it of course, need not be as such, and may come in any geometric shape including, circular, triangular, trapezoid, elliptical, etc. It is noteworthy to mention that in situations where the “closed book” formation is not desired, the medium 1 can come in an “open—no fold” formation, as is shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. It is of course understood, that in such a case, holding devices 200 as per FIG. 6, 300 as per FIG. 8, 400 as per FIG. 9, and 500 as per FIG. 10 may be individually wrapped, such as with cellophane or other material, in order to protect the entire apparatus throughout the course of distribution.

[0033] Attachment of the medium 1 directly on the cigarette box 16 or the cellophane wrapping, which may be present around the box, can be accomplished in a number of ways. Placing an adhesive backing on the back surface(s) of the medium 1 is one conceivable method of doing this. As illustrated in FIG. 3 and referenced in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, back surface 7 of medium 1 may have a peel away backing 14 which could be removed to reveal an adhesive surface 15 underneath. The adhesive layer 15 may be placed on the entire back surface 7 or a select portion of it. Of course, the peel away backing 14 and underneath adhesive surface 15 may likewise, or alternatively, be resident on back surface 6, depending on the manner in which the medium 1 is designed.

[0034] Use of an adhesive backing is the preferred method of attaching the medium 1 to cigarette box 16 since such would securely affix the two together. Despite this, however, other methods known in the art, including attachment via clips or a strap such as band 10, are also contemplated. In this respect, an adhesive attachment, although preferred, may not even be needed. For example, the elastic band (vis-a-vis the band 10 of holding devices 100, 200, 300, and 400) can be used to attach the medium 1 to cigarette box 16 just by stretching the band 10 around the cigarette box 16. Attachment in this manner would likely be the case with holding devices such as those shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In neither of these examples does an adhesive material need to be resident on the back of the respective medium 1 in order for it to be attached to the cigarette box 16. There, band 10 can act as both the mechanism used for attaching the medium 1 to the cigarette box 16 as well as that which is used to grip compact objects. of course, if desired, the medium 1 of FIGS. 8 and 9, for example, may also contain an adhesive backing to allow for a stronger attachment to the cigarette box 16. This, however, is not required. Alternatively, attachment of holding devices 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 to cigarette box 16 can also be accomplished via the use of clips located on back surface 6 or 7 which could dig into cigarette box 16. Finally, attachment can also be removably affixed, such as where Velcro is used to allow for attachment and re-attachment.

[0035] After the medium 1 of holding device 100 is attached to cigarette box 16, the seal keeping it in the “closed book” formation (if holding device 100 is configured as such) may be broken (not shown), after which the band 10 can be stretched around box 16, as shown in FIG. 4. During this process, left side portion 2 may be detached from right side portion 3 by tearing along perforated vertical plane 9, as shown in FIG. 1. Once this is done, a cigarette lighter 17 or other compact object(s) may be held in an abutting manner to box 16, as shown in FIG. 5. It should be mentioned that although this disclosure mainly focuses on a holding device displaying a message as an apparatus for securing a cigarette lighter 17 to a cigarette box 16, it is wholly contemplated that such a holding device can also be used to secure other objects to the cigarette box 16. Such objects may include, but are not limited to money, writing utensils, paper slips, keys, medical drugs, make-up articles and accessories, pouches, wallets, identification cards, debit cards, etc. As is obvious from FIG. 4, any of these objects can be gripped by the holding device(S) of this invention anywhere along the circumference of the cigarette box 16. Additionally, the holding device of this invention which displays a message may also be attached to most other objects besides the cigarette box 16. These other objects include, but are not limited to vehicles (e.g. on top of a dashboard), desks, computer equipment, walls, doors, appliances, televisions, etc. Thus, once the holding device of this invention is attached to a cigarette box 16 or other object, it can provide the user with an apparatus capable of holding most compact objects in an abutting manner to the cigarette box 16 or other object. This will help the user keep their items close within reach while exposing them and others to the message(s) contained on the medium 1.

[0036] While the present invention has been described with regards to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations of the present invention may be devised without departing from the inventive concept. The present embodiments of this invention are thus to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive; the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein. 

I claim:
 1. A cigarette lighter holding device for attachment to a cigarette box comprising: a medium containing at least one message, said device being capable of retaining a cigarette lighter together with a cigarette box while displaying said message.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said medium can be affixed to said box.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein said medium includes an adhesive backing.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one message comprises an advertisement, slogan, logo, trademark, trade name, warning message, personal message, or a combination thereof.
 5. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a band, wherein said band stretches around said box for holding said lighter together with said box.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein said band is attached to the surface of said medium at at least one point of attachment on said medium.
 7. The device of claim 5, wherein said band is made of a flexible material.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is configured in a closed book formation prior to use.
 9. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a receptacle for holding said lighter, said receptacle attachable to said box, wherein, said at least one message is displayed on said receptacle.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one message includes a text display, pictorial display, holographic display, or a combination thereof.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one message includes an electronic optical display.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein said message is audible.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein said cigarette lighter comprises a butane based incineration device, a match, or an assortment of matches which come in a matchbook or matchbox.
 14. A method for displaying a message comprising: providing a device capable of holding a cigarette lighter and other small objects together with a cigarette box, said device comprising a medium containing said message and; attaching said device to said cigarette box, wherein said message on said medium is displayed.
 15. A device for displaying a message comprising: means for holding a cigarette lighter together with a cigarette box, said means including a medium containing at least one message and arranged to hold said lighter to said box while displaying said message and; means for displaying the message on said medium.
 16. A holding device for attachment to a cigarette box comprising: a medium containing at least one message, said device being capable of retaining at least one compact object together with a cigarette box while displaying said message.
 17. A holding device for retaining compact objects together in an abutting manner comprising: a medium containing at least one message and having an attaching element for attaching said device to an object; a band attached to the surface of said medium at at least one point of attachment on said medium, said band capable of retaining an object in an abutting manner to said medium. 